How to Recession-Proof Your Capital Campaign In Uncertain Times
“Should we start a capital campaign now? ” That’s a question we get asked all the time. We often answer the question with another question: “What’s the purpose of the capital campaign?” Or, stated in another way — What do you need the funding for? If the answer...
Learning About Your Lead Donors: Manipulation, Persuasion or Opportunity?
Make a short list of five things you want to know about your largest donors or prospective donors. Chances are your list will start with how much money and resources they have so you can determine if they have the capacity give a large gift. Of course, that does make...
The Fastest Way to Attract (or Repel) Donors: Urgency vs. Desperation
Unfortunately, many nonprofit leaders are fundraising from a place of desperation. The situation feels hopeless when money is so tight. When you can’t pay the rent or make payroll, the situation becomes desperate. This is a terrible position for both fundraisers and...
The Hidden Power of Capital Campaigns: The Trojan Horse Effect
Capital campaigns accomplish much more than money. The very idea that you could raise lots of money inspires you to think from abundance and to imagine how your organization might have more impact. And, as our friend Nick Fellers reminds us, increased impact drives...
Avoid This Common Fundraising Trap to Ensure a Successful Campaign
Imagine that you (the ED or DD of your organization) are meeting with a donor who has the capacity to give a significant gift to your organization. Ready… You have scheduled the meeting specifically to talk about the possibility of a gift to your campaign. The donor...
